Continental Romania invests 2.1 mln euro in laser welding technology

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BUCHAREST (Romania), November 8 (SeeNews) - Automotive parts supplier Continental Romania said on Thursday that it has invested 2.1 million euro ($2.41 million) in laser technology at its air conditioning pipes manufacturing plant Contitech in Timisoara.

A machine for laser welding of air conditioning pipes for automobiles was developed by a team at the plant, Continental Romania said in a press release.

The machine is based on top laser technology and can weld connectors for all types of air conditioning lines, including filling valves. The concept was designed not only for serial production, but also for research and development activities in the field of laser welding, the company noted.

"By replacing the classic welding, in which we use flame, with the laser we eliminate the consumption of 700,000 liters of LPG per year. This consumption would generate a temperature of 50 degrees Celsius in the production hall and an emission of 420,000 cubic metres of carbon dioxide. Thanks to the new process, it is no longer necessary to cool the production hall through the air conditioning systems, thus diminishing electricity consumption," Contitech Romania process engineer Silviu Oana said.

"The Timisoara team turned this challenge into an innovative success project. It's just the begining. By the end of the year, we will put into operation two other laser machines, ready to deliver the highest quality products to our customers around the world," Contitech Romania general manager Maik Niewoehner said.

The Timisoara plant, opened in 2002, is one of seven Continental plants in Romania. This is where the air conditioning systems of the machines, the power steering and chassis control system, as well as the transmission and distribution belts are produced. Every year, about 24 million pieces are manufactured at the Timisoara plant.

In July, Continental Tires, part of Continental Romania acquired a former industrial platform in Timisoara in order to expand its storage capacity and optimize its overall logistics costs.